Who Can Claim Coppa Italia Clash Glory?

Lazio vs Juventus

The Coppa Italia has always meant a lot to both these clubs.

It is a competition Juventus have won a record of 14 times, while Lazio also have fond memories of winning this competition on seven occasions, most recently in 2019.

But which one of them can create tangible Coppa Italia highlights to keep their season alive?

Talking Points

For all of Juventus’ flaws in recent months – and there have been plenty as their form has become pedestrian-like – they are still faring much better than Lazio.

The ‘old lady’ of Turin already have one foot in the final after their first leg triumph, when second half goals from Federico Chiesa and Dusan Vlahovic earned a 2-0 success for Max Allegri’s side – a victory which edged Juventus closer to their 22nd Coppa Italia Final

However, it would be wrong to say it’s been plain or smooth sailing of late for the Turin team.

On Friday night, they drew 2-2 with strugglers Cagliari (their third draw in five league outings), although they showed character to fight back from a 2-0 half-time deficit through Vlahovic and an own goal.

There had also been suggestions Chiesa could be punished for his outburst at Allegri in the Derby della Mole draw with Torino last weekend.

The 26 year-old is known to have a rocky relationship with the Bianconeri tactician and the Italian winger raged at his coach after being taken off just after the hour in the derby, complaining that he’s ‘always the first’ player substituted.

Yet he started against Cagliari and it’s doubtful such a name would be left out of the squad for such an important game as this one.

Whether Allegri survives the summer is unclear, even if he brings cup success to Turin and a first trophy in three seasons.

Despite winning just two league games from the last 12, Juve are currently third in Serie A and, in Allegri’s eyes, this means being in the race to fulfil the club’s target for 2023-24 to qualify for the Champions League.

For Lazio, 1-0 winners at Genoa on Friday evening with a Luis Alberto goal, they lie in sixth spot but Atalanta, who are a point behind them, have two games in hand.

Under Igor Tudor, who succeeded Maurizio Sarri last month, Lazio have won three of their last four league meetings – form they will need to replicate between now and the end of the campaign if they are to secure a top six finish (fifth place may well seal a Champions League berth).

In recent days, the club has announced the signing of Matteo Guendouzi from Olympique Marseille after the conditions of his obligation to buy clause were met.

The 25 year-old French midfielder arrived in the Italian capital last summer on a season-long loan deal with an option to make permanent.

It does seem like it could be a busy summer of ins and outs with Felipe Anderson’s contract expiring at the end of June and a deal reportedly agreed to sign for Brazilian club Palmeiras, despite reports he was on Juventus’ radar.

Perhaps he can give Lazio fans the perfect farewell present in this competition.

History

Juventus have had a significant edge over Lazio historically with 97 wins compared to 45 Le Aquile successes and 42 draws.

However, there have been special times in this fixture for Lazio and their fans.

Indeed, they have only lost one of their last five home meetings with Juve and defeated them in Serie A just a few weeks ago, courtesy of a last minute Adam Marusic header.

Juventus won earlier in the season 3-1 in Turin when Vlahovic (two) and Chiesa were their goal-getters.

Lazio have never managed a league double over the ‘old lady’ of Turin, although did beat them in both the Italian Super Cup finals of 2017 and 2019.

Last season the two clubs met in the Coppa Italia, with Juventus claiming a 1-0 home win in the quarter-finals when Gleison Bremer was on target.

Betting Tip

Juventus have the first leg advantage and it is one I expect them to hold.

Even if Lazio were to win the game, I do not think they will win the tie.

That is also reflected with the SBOTOP Coppa Italia betting odds with Lazio priced 0.00 @ -0.95 compared to Juve 0.00 @ 0.81 – all with Asian Handicap offerings.

Likewise, the home side are on offer 1X2 @ 2.68 with Juve 1X2 @ 2.38.

 

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